Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc.
Overview of Programs and Services
Building Human Capital, Communities and Affordable Housing
Comprehensive Community
Solutions, Inc. Non-profit agency founded
in 1992 Location: 907-917 S. Main St. Annual Budget: $1.6 Million Staff: 28 (including fulltime, part-
time, contractual and volunteer PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
– YOUTHBUILD ROCKFORD PROGRAM– YOUTHBUILD AMERICORPS PROGRAM– AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT– PROJECT WELCOME HOME FURNITURE BANK– NEIGHBORHOOD TOOL BANK– SALVAGE TOO/ROCKFORD REUSE CENTER– WAY TO PEACE PROJECT
THE YOUTHBUILD ROCKFORD PROGRAM
16-24 yr.old-H.S. Dropouts-very low income
Over 3,000 applicants, 507 enrolled since 1995
50% vocational training – Construction of low-income housing– Computer Technology
50% education, support services, inc.:
– Applied Academics (GED)– Employability– Pre-apprenticeship– Life Skills– Leadership Development– Service Learning– Project-Based Learning
Community Service Support Services Graduate Program/Alumni Clubs
YouthBuild Program Components
counseling
individual and peer counseling
group sessions
case management
referrals to outside agencies
group recreation
group sessions
case management
referrals to outside agencies
group recreation
Program Components
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Supervised construction training
Computer Technology Training (Hardware, Software, Web Design,
Repair)
Employer expectations
Job readiness skills
Coordination with pre-apprenticeship Programs
COUNSELING
Individual and peer counseling
Group sessions
Case management
Referrals to outside agencies
Group recreation
EDUCATION
Academic skills
GED preparation
Vocational skills
Job/college readiness skills
Leadership development
Construction theory and terminology
Follow-up education
Cultural events
GRADUATE RESOURCES
College admission counseling
Pre-employment training
Career counseling
Integration into apprenticeship programs
Job search techniques
Job development
Job placement
Follow-up counseling/support
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Decision making
Speaking
Group facilitation
Negotiating
Community service
Retreats
Advocacy
How does the program work? Youth who enter the program engage in a
39-week primary program cycle (October thru July), during which they spend 50% of their time in academic and related instruction leading to completion of a GED, and the remaining 50% in occupational skills training in either construction or computer technology.
They participate for 34 hours per week, and earn a needs-based stipend for their participation.
Upon graduation, they are placed in employment, post-secondary education, or vocational training, or a combination.
Youth participate in follow-up services through a Graduate Program for an additional year, and may remain connected to the program through its Alumni Club for an unlimited duration.
What Makes YouthBuild Work?
Systematic attention to improving basic educational skills.
Opportunities to perform meaningful work, learn saleable skills and good work habits.
Relationship-building with caring adults who demonstrate a strong stake in their success.
Development of positive peer group and provision of support services.
Strong and effective connections with employers, with follow-up services.
Involvement in program decision-making - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT!
Long-term, full-time intervention lasting 6-24 months
Reasonable stipends during training.
Small program size Accountability to standards Flexibility, not bureaucracy
The National Picture
NATIONAL YOUTHBUILD FACTS
SUCCESS 59.1% average retention rate 35% earn GED or diploma82% placed in jobs or educationAverage placement wage $8/hour
HOUSING 13,000 units of low-income housing produced since 1993
LOCATIONS 226+ programs in 44 states
FUNDING Each program procures its own funding, typically a mix of federal, state, local and private funds
COSTS Average per-participant cost is $20,000, including stipends
REPLICATION Local control, with central training and guidance in best practices by national nonprofit with focus on program quality
What are the Local Results?
Number of youth applying 3054Number served 507Number graduates 284Percent high school dropout
96%
Percent completing GED 50%Percent employed or in school after graduation
83%
Average wage $8.36Cost per participant $12,144
YouthBuild produces tangible results…..
YouthBuild and the Investment Triangle How does
YouthBuild contribute to making “lasting changes in community conditions?
Consider these statistics:
■ Dropouts are substantially more likely to rely on public assistance than those with a high schooldiploma. The estimated lifetime revenue loss formale dropouts ages 25-34 is $944 billion. The cost to the public of their crime and welfare benefits is estimated to total $24 billion annually.
Dropouts contribute to state and federal tax coffersat only about one-half the rate of high schoolgraduates; over a working lifetime about $60,000less, or $50 billion annually for the 23 millionhigh school non-completers, ages 18-67.Are they youth “at risk”? Or youth “at “at promise”……?promise”……?
Funding Sources
US Dept of HUD U.S. Dept. of Labor – Offender Re-entry
Program Corporation for National Service City of Rockford-HOME Program National City Community Dev. Corp. State of Illinois, Dept. Human Services United Way of Rock River Valley Winnebago County Alternative Programs Nonprofit Housing development Private foundations, donors In-kind contributions
Community Partners
• The City of Rockford• Rockford Housing Authority• YMCA• United Way• Local trades unions• Over 175 employers,
public and private• Numerous community
agencies• Experience Works• Corporation for National
Service• YouthBuild USA
Other Agency Programs and Services
Affordable Housing Development
Neighborhood and Community Development
Character Education Youth Development
Practitioner Apprenticeship
Americorps
A National Service movement that is engaging dedicated Americans of all ages and backgrounds in a domestic Peace Corps to get things done throughout our nation’s rural and urban communities.
Promotes core American values--community, educational opportunity, and responsibility.
How does Americorps Work?
Americorps “Members”, either full-time or part-time commit to a term of service (usually 1 yr)
As Part-time members, YouthBuild trainees must perform 900 hours of service in a year (Full time = 1700 hours)
In exchange, they receive $2,363 as an education award to help pay for college or vocational training (Full time receives $4800)
Affordable Housing Development
Projects Completed 1995-2006
94 Units– 74 Single
Family– 20
Multifamily– 29
YouthBuild
As a designated Community Housing Development Organization, CCS acquires, builds, renovates, leases, or sells properties, primarily for low-income families. CCS acts as owner, developer, property manager. •New Construction/Rehab
Affordable Housing Development
CCS, Inc. owns and manages rental property for low-income families.
Rental Properties 629 Rockton 2111 W. State 2117 W. State 2305 School St.
Total: 16 unitsIn the fall of 2003, CCS completed construction of a 26-lot subdivision at Pierpont and Green. The project is a mixed income development, with half of the homes available for low-income buyers. Phase 2, with 18 units, is underway this year.
CCS CONSTRUCTION, LLC
In December, 1999, CCS formed a wholly-owned subsidiary limited liability corporation-CCS Construction LLC--as a full service general contractor.
As a revenue-generating arm of the nonprofit, CCS Construction now provides training for YouthBuild students, as well as contracting both residential and light commercial work. The company is a union contractor.
Project Welcome Home
In January, 2001, CCS, Inc. took over operations of Project Welcome Home, a community furniture bank.
The project receives referrals of families needing furniture from social service agencies.
Donations of furniture are accepted from companies, organizations, and individuals.
Volunteers from our AmeriCorps/VISTA programs help staff the project.
Salvage Too/Rockford Re-Use Center
The Way To Peace projectPromoting Peace Through Education
The Way to Peace Project
Mission: The Way to Peace Mission: The Way to Peace Project Project seeks to end crime, prejudice and violence in the communities we serve by offering programs that promote character education through a multi-disciplined approach.
How Can I Help?
Referral of young people to the programs
Volunteer as a board member, mentor or tutor
Donate construction materials and supplies
Job shadowing or internship opportunities
Job opportunities for graduates
Tax deductible contributions to support the operations of the agency and programs.
Join state or national YouthBuild Coalition
Charter School Statewide Youth Organization Zero-Energy Home Construction Addition of other vocational
training tracks
For More Information
Kerry Knodle, Executive Director
815-963-6236 Fax: 815-963-1002 Email: ybrkfd@youthbuildrockford
Website:www.youthbuildrockford.org
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